“We used to hold classes under trees”: Malagnat NHS in Pinukpuk finally opens P34.4-M School Building

FEATURE

Pinukpuk, Kalinga — Before the three-story building at Malagnat National High School in Pinukpuk rose from the grounds of the campus, teachers and students endured years of difficult learning conditions, as recalled by teacher Harold G. Tagubat.

The P34.4-million school building, inaugurated on May 15, 2026, was constructed to provide students and teachers with a safer, more comfortable, and more conducive environment for learning and teaching.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on May 18, Tagubat recalled how challenging their situation had been, with students forced to attend classes in temporary learning areas that offered little protection from extreme weather conditions.

He shared that classes were often disrupted whenever temperatures became unbearable or when heavy rains and typhoons struck the area, making it difficult for students to concentrate and for teachers to properly deliver lessons.

“Before, our situation was very difficult because we conducted classes under the trees, inside tents, and in our Temporary Learning Shelter, or TLS. During sunny days, it felt like we were inside an oven because of the extreme heat. And whenever heavy rain or typhoons came, our classrooms would get flooded, or sometimes the roofs would even fly away because of the strong winds,” Tagubat shared.

Despite the hardships, Tagubat said teachers remained steadfast in their commitment to educate their students even without adequate classrooms and facilities.

Now, with the completion of the new building, he said the project marks a major turning point not only for teachers but especially for the learners and the community they serve.

“We continued teaching because we are committed to giving quality education to our students. But now, we are truly thankful because we can finally experience staying in a strong and safe concrete building. With these new classrooms, we can now teach better, deliver lessons more effectively, and provide a more comfortable learning environment for our learners,” Tagubat relayed.

The Teacher III described the new facility as more than just a structure, calling it a symbol of hope, progress, and a brighter future for the entire school community.

“This building is not only a structure — it is a symbol of hope, progress, and a brighter future for our students and the entire school community. That is why I am very much thankful to all the people and agencies who made this project possible,” concluded Tagubat.